Germany urges EU to rival China in Western Balkans

German FM Heiko Maas said in a speech to the Bundestag that Western Balkan states will turn to China and other countries if they are not offered a European perspective, EU Observer reports. The article notes Chinese investment in Bosnia alone topped $3 billion in 2016 and 2017 and surpassed $1 billion in Serbia. Likewise, Albania and Montenegro received hundreds of millions of dollars in Chinese investment. By comparison, the EU averages about €1 billion a year in financial aid and €2 billion a year in corporate investment for the entire region. Additionally, Turkey recently became the third largest investor in Kosovo after spending €340 million to buy an airport and an energy firm.